Former Wimbledon girls champion Ashleigh Barty have confirmed her return to tennis after leaving the sport 17 months ago to pursue a career in cricket.
The 19-year-old announced her surprise exit from the WTA tour in 2014. At the time Barty said that she wanted to take part in a team sport after losing her passion for tennis. During her brief cricket career, Barty played for the Brisbane Heat. She made her cricket debut last December, producing 39 off 27 balls, including a six for Brisbane Heat.
Barty was elevated to the media limelight in 2011 after winning the Wimbledon girls’ title. During her brief career on the WTA Tour, the Australian achieved big success on the doubles tour by reaching three Grand Slam finals alongside Casey Dellacqua. In the singles Barty achieved a ranking high of 139th in September 2013. That same year she reached the second round at the French Open and US Open. On the ITF circuit, Barty won four ITF titles in 2012 (three $25,000 tournaments and one $50,000).
This week Barty will play her first competitive match since the 2014 US Open at an ITF $25,000 tournament in Perth. She accepted a wildcard into the doubles tournament with fellow Australian Jessica Moore.
Speaking about her return to the tour with WTA Insider, Barty admitted that her sudden rise to fame at a young age became too much for her. The 19-year-old said that she was ‘a victim of her own success’. Now with a new mentality on life, Barty feel that she is ready to stage a comeback.
“Obviously I was very young, but I turn 20 this year and it’s a different perspective on life and tennis in general. I’ll be able to do it my way a little bit more. If it works, great. If it doesn’t, I can’t really complain. I’ve had a phenomenal career for the short time that I did play. I’m just prepared to work up that slow grind up the ITFs and hopefully be up with the WTA soon.” Barty told WTA Insider.
The Australian has chosen not to use her protected ranking to enter tournaments. Instead Barty is planning to participate in a series of lower level tournaments to slowly work her way back up the rankings.
“I‘m prepared to commit myself fully to getting back into tennis. That’s the only way to do it, and that’s why I’m taking it slowly in the beginning. There’s no point in jumping back on tour and realizing six months later that this is not what I want. This gives me the opportunity to work my way into it”. She said.
There was no defining moment that triggered Barty to return to the world of tennis. During her interview, the Australian said that her recent visit to Melbourne during the Australian Open aided her decision. In Melbourne Barty hit balls with former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua as well as a few younger players.
“After I hit a few times throughout the time away, I hit the ball ok each time . I realized after hitting a few times it was just what I’m probably meant to be doing in life.” Barty admitted.
Pretty pumped to be out hitting a few balls again! Can’t wait to kickstart in Perth over the next fortnight☺️☺️#2.0 pic.twitter.com/94weIwYErG
— Ash Barty (@ashbar96) February 8, 2016
